Auroraadvocate.com - Parks committee permits weddings at Sunny Lake

by Ken Lahmers

Editor

Aurora -- The parks and recreation committee last week favored allowing small groups to use Sunny Lake as a site for weddings.

Parks-Rec Director Jim Kraus said the matter arose recently after he received a request to use an area near the Memorial Tree Garden for a wedding in 2010.

Kraus said the wedding group proposes to use the area between the tree garden's parking lot and the southern inlet of the lake. He said the event should not disrupt other park activities.

Panelists decided to allow the use of that area at the same cost charged to persons for renting a pavilion.

The city charges $75 to $85 for residents to rent the north and south pavilions, respectively, and $100 and $110 for non-residents.

The five committee members who attended the meeting all favored allowing the use and charging the fee.

Councilman John Kudley, who chaired the meeting in the absence of Councilman-Chairman Dennis Kovach, said Kovach indicated to him he was not in favor of the use.

The panel also OK'd a budget adjustment to allow for deposit of a $687 check, which came from a motorist's insurance company as reimbursement for damage the person caused to a fence, bench and tree plaque.

Also OK'd were transfers of $5,000 from the senior trips fund to senior part-time wages and $1,500 from the July 4 fun run fund to part-time coordinator wages.

Kraus reported the city will replace the split-rail fence at Liz Strahan Park in the Geauga Lake area next year, and some playground equipment recently acquired from the school district may be placed at Picnic Lake Park.

Kraus said his department is preparing for the Turkey Trot 4-mile run Nov. 26, holiday tree lighting Dec. 5 and breakfast with Santa Dec. 12. He noted the Aurora Community Theatre will not put on a holiday show before the lighting.

He said for next year the city might consider expanding the tree lighting into a bigger event, and will explore the possibility of setting up the tree in the Breezy Point Park gazebo instead of near the library.

"We might be able to set up a volunteer committee which can throw out some new ideas," he added.

Kraus added a number of trips are planned in November for senior citizens, several youth sports will be offered this winter and the staff is working to complete the winter 2010 brochure.

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klahmers@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3155